GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

The greatest political struggles in American government have to do with the interpretation of the Constitution. The unique character of the Executive office or American presidency provides an opportunity to explore important questions related to how the Constitution can both constrain presidential power and allow the president to rise to his full height of power. This course addresses the place and role of the presidency in the American constitutional order, with specific emphasis on executive energy and rhetoric. The historical evolution of the presidency will be examined beginning with the American founding era, the constitutional convention, and The Federalist, including the method for presidential selection and current day practice of campaigns and elections. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the intended nature of Article II and presidential action by studying a number of presidents who have served throughout America’s history.

The simultaneous cooperative and competitive nature of the separation of powers with Congress and the judicial branch established by the Constitution creates tension. The course will seek to address the question of what is the proper role of Congress and the courts in regulating presidential power. Students will also look at presidential power in the context of how crises affect that power, and to what degree the president is able to test the bounds of the Constitution.

The differences between rhetoric of the Constitution versus other contemporary sources in terms of the power of the president will be studied. This will be done by looking at the use of rhetoric as a device to persuade and how presidents have failed or been successful with their ability to effectively communicate to the American public.

This course will provide students with a study of the American presidency.

Students will be able to:
•Identify the origins and development of the presidency from its conception in the Constitutional Convention, and the people who have held the office.
•Explain the relationship, both constitutional and historical, between the executive, the legislative and judicial branches.
•Appraise the necessity or constitutionality of important actions and decisions by key presidents.
•Understand the process of selecting presidents, the campaign process, and the role of public opinion as well as the role of the media.
•Assess the use of presidential rhetoric and the transformation of its usage from the American founding to modern time.

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

The course will consist of lectures, open and group discussion, and individual and group activities. Students will be required to utilize critical thinking skills to formulate arguments and analyze concepts and principles in both oral and written form. Feedback for the written assignments and midterm exams will be given in class. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of office hours should they wish to get more personalized feedback on how to improve their performance.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[対面/face to face]：Introduction

The Constitutional Convention

2[対面/face to face]：Creation of the Executive

Constitutional foundations of the Executive (Article II – powers and duties)

3[対面/face to face]：Election of the Executive

Historical overview on presidential selection and the Electoral College, campaigns and elections

4[対面/face to face]：Defense of Executive Power

The Federalist and Anti-Federalist arguments

5[対面/face to face]：George Washington I

Bringing the constitutional presidency to life

6[対面/face to face]：George Washington II

Proclamation of Neutrality, precedents, and Farewell Address

7[対面/face to face]：Review and Midterm

Multiple choice and short-essays

8[対面/face to face]：Abraham Lincoln I

The crisis of the house divided and Civil War

9[対面/face to face]：Abraham Lincoln II

Lincoln’s speeches: Executive energy and rhetoric

10[対面/face to face]：Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman

The rise of the modern presidency

11[対面/face to face]：Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon

The War Powers Resolution and the congressional-executive relationship

12[対面/face to face]：Ronald Reagan

Cold War rhetoric and action

13[対面/face to face]：George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump

Foreign policy and America’s role in the world

14[対面/face to face]：Final Exam and Wrap up

Multiple choice and short-essays

Prior to class meetings, students are expected to review their notes from previous classes and do the assigned readings. Students will be assigned homework (written assignments). Before an exam, students should review their notes. Preparatory study is four hours for each class session. Review for an exam takes a minimum of two to three hours.

None.

Reading materials are on the course website.

Students are evaluated based on the following:

Participation – 15%
Written Assignments and presentation – 30%
Midterm – 25%
Final – 30%

None.

Use of mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices during class is prohibited.

Students are expected to have passed Introduction to Political Science.